Baker McKenzie LLP’s team, which is collectively led by Pornapa Luengwattanakit, Panya Sittisakonsin, Aek Tantisattamo, Nopporn Charoenkitraj and Geoffrey Soh, handles the full range of non-contentious customs and international trade mandates, in addition to high-value trade and customs litigation. On account of the firm’s global network, the practice is well-placed to handle multi-jurisdictional matters and collaborate with offices worldwide. Luengwattanakit acts for local and international clients on trade competition work, while Sittisakonsin brings expertise in contentious international trade matters to the practice. Recently promoted partner Keerati Saneewong Na Ayudthaya, who advises on tax, customs and trade controversy issues, is another key contact in the team.
Customs and international trade in Thailand
Baker McKenzie LLP
Practice head(s):
Pornapa Luengwattanakit; Panya Sittisakonsin; Aek Tantisattamo; Nopporn Charoenkitraj; Geoffrey Soh
Other key lawyers:
Keerati Saneewong Na Ayudthaya
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited
R & T Asia (Thailand) Limited
advises on a broad range of customs and trade matters in Thailand, from directly liaising with government departments, such as the Royal Thai Customs, to representing clients in proceedings before the Criminal Court. The team also advises on all relevant licensing and regulatory matters relating to the importation and exportation of goods. Melisa Uremovic leads the practice group and has demonstrable experience in anti-dumping, safeguarding and complex customs proceedings, while Supawat Srirungruang acts for clients across the tobacco, alcohol and telecoms sectors. Surasak Vajasit, who assists multinational entities in customs-related disputes, is another key member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Melisa Uremovic
Other key lawyers:
Supawat Srirungruang; Surasak Vajasit
Key clients
Philip Morris (Thailand) Limited
Nippon Steel Corporation, JFE Steel Corporation and Kobe Steel Limited
Work highlights
- Representing Philip Morris (Thailand) Limited in its long-running customs valuation disputes, which have been brought before the Criminal Court and is also the subject of WTO proceedings and now compliance proceedings brought by the Philippines against Thailand.
- Representing Nippon Steel Corporation, JFE Steel Corporation and Kobe Steel Limited (collectively the Japanese Mills) in trade remedies proceedings.
Tilleke & Gibbins
Tilleke & Gibbins
’ multidisciplinary team advises clients on matters concerning customs classifications and valuations, as well as the establishment and operation of businesses in special economic zones, anti-dumping compliance issues, and import and export licensing mandates. Following the departure of Kasamesunt Teerasitsathaporn in May 2022, the practice is jointly led by corporate partner Kobkit Thienpreecha and counsel Michael Ramirez, who assists multinational clients in trade and customs disputes.
Practice head(s):
Kobkit Thienpreecha; Michael Ramirez
Key clients
Amec Foster Wheeler (Thailand)
Colgate-Palmolive
Daimler
Oculus VR
Pepsi-Cola
Red Bull
Siam Kubota
Tao Kae Noi
Work highlights
- Advised a multinational chemical manufacturing company on anti-dumping, regional value content (RVC) rules, and related customs issues under the China-Thailand FTA.
- Advised a publicly traded manufacturing company for major OEMs on rules of origin application and other customs benefits under the India-Thailand FTA and the ASEAN-India FTA.